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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: February 26, 2015 15:36 EST1. RECENT UPDATESA minor editorial change was made.2. ADVISORIESSOUTH KOREA - Exercise normal security precautionsThere is no nationwide advisory in effect for South Korea. Exercise normal security precautions.3. SECURITYThe decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.Tensions between South Korea and North KoreaTensions have increased on the Korean peninsula as a result of North Korea's ongoing nuclear weapons development program and provocative statements. In April and December 2012, North Korea attempted to launch two missiles into orbit, and on February 12, 2013, performed a nuclear weapon test. Additional tests cannot be ruled out.On March 11, 2013, North Korea issued a statement declaring that the Korean Armistice Agreement is invalid. While past threats made by the North to nullify this agreement have gone unfulfilled, further provocative action could occur.Despite recent statements issued by the North Korean government, we continue to advise that there is no immediate threat to Canadians in South Korea. However, as tensions could escalate with little warning, be vigilant, monitor developments and follow the advice of local authorities.CrimeCrime against foreigners is generally low. Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone after dark. The use of public transport after dark may be safer than using taxis when travelling alone. However, when subway and bus services end for the night, use officially marked taxis only and, if possible, do not travel alone. Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.The Korean National Police operates a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week Central Interpretation Centre where foreigners can report crimes (in Seoul, telephone 313-0842; elsewhere, 02-313-0842).Women's safetySexual assaults against foreigners have occurred. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman's Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information specifically aimed at Canadian women.DemonstrationsPolitical, labour and student demonstrations and marches can become confrontational or violent. Exercise caution, avoid areas where demonstrations are being held and avoid confrontations with protestors.TransportationThe rate of fatal road accidents is very high. Automobile drivers are presumed to be at fault in accidents involving motorcycles or pedestrians. Criminal charges and heavy penalties are common when accidents result in injury.Taxi drivers may speak some English. Have your destination written in Korean.A high-speed train (KTX) links Seoul and major southern cities such as Busan, Kwangju and Mokpo.See Transportation Safety in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.Emergency servicesDial 112 to reach police and 119 for ambulance and firefighters. An English interpretation service is available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSIt is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the South Korean authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.PassportCanadians must present apassportto visit Korea, which must be valid beyond the date of expected departure from Korea.VisasTourist visa: Not required (for stays less than 180 days)Business visa: Not required (for stays less than 30 days)Student visa: RequiredWorking visa: Required (must be obtained outside South Korea)BiometricsForeigners must register their biometrics (fingerprints and facial scan) at their port of entry. Children under 17 years of age and diplomats are exempt from this screening.Screening measuresThe South Korean authorities implemented screening measures at airports in response to the H1N1 flu virus outbreak. Travellers entering the Republic of Korea may be subject to a body temperature check.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is now legally recognized in Korea. However, you must meet certain criteria to be recognized as a Canadian-Korean citizen by Korean authorities. If you think you may have a claim to Korean citizenship, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Korea or one of its consulates. If you are a Canadian-Korean citizen, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services in Korea, and you may be subject to national obligations such as military service. Consult the Laws and Culture tab as well as Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.Children and travelChildren need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.Yellow feverSee Health to obtain information on this country's vaccination requirements.5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesThe medical facilities in Korea are generally very good. There are international clinics in general hospitals in major cities such as Seoul, Busan and Daegu. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of hospitals upon request.Korean medical institutions insist that fees be paid in full before the patient is discharged. They will not charge insurance companies directly.6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and detention page and our Overview of the criminal law system in South Korea for more information.LawsMale dual citizens whose names appear on the Korean Family Relation Certificate may be subject to compulsory military service, even when entering the Republic of Korea on a Canadian passport. Before travelling to Korea, Canadian males of Korean origin may need to renounce their Korean citizenship or have their names removed from the Korean Family Relation Certificate to gain exemption from this requirement. Contact the nearest Korean embassy or consulate for more information.The number of Canadians arrested and detained for drug-related charges has increased significantly. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Minor violations, including smoking minute quantities of an illegal drug, such as marijuana, in a private home, can lead to detention even before the trial has begun.Tourists are required to make a declaration to customs officers if they are entering or leaving the country with more than the equivalent of US$10,000, including local currency.Penalties for drinking and driving are strict. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences.Photography of military installations or government buildings is illegal.An International Driving Permit is required.Teaching EnglishContracts to teach English (arranged by recruiters in Canada) should be carefully reviewed before being signed. There have been reports that some contracts have been modified after the fact. Ensure all terms and conditions of employment are clearly stated before accepting an offer and ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements. The Korean government investigates the use of fraudulent documents, university degrees and ESL certificates. Penalties for using fraudulent documents include arrest, deportation and restrictions on re-entry. Be aware that written contracts are not binding documents. Verbal agreements often take precedence over written agreements. Consult our publication entitled Teaching English in Korea for more information.MoneyThe currency is the won (KRW). Traveller's cheques are accepted at all chartered banks (Eunhaeng in Korean). U.S. dollar traveller's cheques are recommended for the best exchange rate. Some major banks have automated banking machines (ABMs) that accept international debit or credit cards. The amount allowed per withdrawal may be quite low, rendering the service charge disproportionately high. Most ABMs that can be used to draw money from Canadian bank accounts offer English instructions. Major foreign credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and American Express) are widely accepted by hotels and other tourist facilities and are generally regarded as safe to use.When transferring funds from Korea to Canada, a local bank will place a stamp in your passport stating how much was transferred, in keeping with Korea's Foreign Currency Control Act. If you are working in Korea and paying Korean income tax, you can transfer your entire income based on your tax payment certificate.7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEThe rainy (monsoon) season extends from the end of June until August. July is usually the wettest month. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides. Typhoons occur in August and September. These storms can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure, and can hamper the provision of essential services. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the advice of local authorities. Consult our Typhoons and monsoons page for more information.Pollution levels peak in March, April and May (due to yellow dust).